Creation: An Introduction

by Tyler R. Wittman

Follow the Doxological Rhythm of Creation to Discover God’s Glory

Why did God create the world “out of nothing”? What does this reveal about his majesty? How, as created beings, should humanity respond?

In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, professor Tyler R. Wittman carefully examines the doctrine of creation, explaining the relationship between God and creatures, the nature and end of creatures, and how God fulfills his creation in the worship Christ leads in his church. Wittman presents the creation account as a hymn, examining its literary structure and poetic imagery. He then explores creation as like a great “song” of its Creator. With helpful visuals and key definitions, this accessible study invites readers to delight in God’s beauty and respond liturgically in worship as they await the “new song” of redemption.

God-Centered and  Provides a thoroughly biblical analysis of creation that centers on the Trinity and the doxological purpose of all created life Great for Theologians, Pastors, and  Designed to be short, applicable, and approachable, with a glossary and suggestions for further reading Part of the Short Studies in Systematic Theology  Other titles include Humanity and Sin; Glorification; and The Doctrine of Scripture

Genres: Theology

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2025

Reviews

[Jono Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

If John Webster and Kevin Vanhoozer had a baby, it would be Tyler Wittman. This volume is excellent.

[Scott Bielinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creation begins with God's full, glorious, and blessed life and returns to Him in our sacrifice of gratitude through His Son and Spirit. Wittman helps us to join in creation's song of praise to her God. This is a wonderful book.

[Ben Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As helpful as it is beautiful to consider! I think this doctrine may be what my early theological development missed most.

If you've never carefully considered the doctrine of the Trinity or the fundamental Christian distinction between Creator and creature(s), you will find the first couple chapters challenging, but if you'll press on in faith, the final chapter is quite a useful and edifying conclusion to the whole book!

[Jessie Wittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that translated creation for me upwards into doxology. Such that I now experience all created things—when I remember—in the truth of worship and in with the chorus of angels. I plan on rereading soon.

[Conner Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinking about creation and redemption through the analogy of song has been so helpful for me. This work has stoked my longing for the day when God will resolve all things into the harmony of his glory.

[Connor Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sell your socks for this book.
Best of 2025.

[Conner McDonald]

Further up & further in

Excellent introduction to the Doctrine of Creation—dense and thorough, yet accessible and enjoyable. Dr. Wittman does a wonderful job of leading readers through the Doctrine of Creation, comparing it to Tolkien’s idea of creation as a song. There is much to dig into as Wittman considers creation’s doxological nature, its end, creation “out of nothing,”the frustrated and futility caused by sin, Christ’s resolution, and humanity’s invitation back to its proper design.

And so, may those with ears to hear the song listen attentively and enjoy this rich and helpful introduction to the Doctrine of Creation.

[Chandler Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew I was in for a great treatment on the doctrine of creation when Wittman quoted Tolkien’s “Silmarillion” on the first page of his introduction! This is a fascinating and unique take on the doctrine of creation as Wittman explores the doxogical nature of creation. Ultimately, the author orients the reader to the worship of God through theological reflection. In a very Webster-like fashion (Wittman was one of Webster’s final PhD students), the author begins his study with a reflection on the nature of the Triune God of love and his desire to create. The highlight of the book for me was Wittman’s treatment on Creatio ex nihilo, as well as his Christocentric approach to the doctrine of creation. Wittman also explores the nature of creatures as inheritors of creation in Christ, and how we have frustrated the good song of creation in our sinfulness and fallen-ness. Wittman concludes the book with a reflection on how we receive and respond to creation in gratitude and sacrifice. He redefines sacrifice in a way that affirms rather than disparages created goods: “Sacrifice is not the annihilation of created goods but the dox-ological use of them to the glory of God.” Also relieving is that, in this treatment of the doctrine of creation, Wittman never deals with the age-of-the-earth debate! He even provides an excellent exposition of the Genesis creation account, but the age of the earth is simply not of importance for Wittman when it comes to a doctrine of creation. I will say that Wittman’s writing style is often unclear. Having also read his “Biblical Reasoning,” I can tell he is a dense writer, but there were certain points of the book where his writing style didn’t quite seem to feet this series, but that is not too big of an issue. Just prepare for a bit of a challenging read at times.

“As sons, we inherit creation because we inherit God's glory that fills it (Isa. 6:3).This is not because God hands over his glory. ‘My glory I give to no other,’ he says (Isa. 42:8). Rather, we inherit God's glory by participating in it. God unfolds his glory in creation to enfold us with it. ‘In your light do we see light’ (Ps. 36:9). Through Christ, the song is resolved because we are drawn into the musicality of the Trinity's mutual glorification (John 17:24; cf. 12:28; 17:5). Creation comes to us because God comes to us with creative and glorifying love. Our inheritance is a gift that comes with the giver, but the primary gift is the giver himself.”

“Jesus reveals God's plan for creation in the ‘fullness of time’ with his incarnation, and its goal is ‘to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth’ (Eph. 1:10; cf. Gal. 4:4). Paul's word for this process of ‘uniting’ or gathering together all things in Christ, sometimes called "recapitulation, means ‘bringing something to a head’ (anakephalaiosis). We might think of this as a summary that includes things while it concludes them. This process ties together what it brings together by putting a ‘cap’ on it all. In this sense, Jesus summarizes God's mysterious purposes in creation much as the commands to love God and neighbor summarize both tables of the law (Mark 12:28-31).”
- I will add to the quote above that Wittman’s rejection of a supralapsarian Christology does make his treatment on recapitulation a little weak, but I still appreciate that he hit on this often neglected doctrine!

[Abraham Contreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wittman’s book on Creation provides great material on informing the church today on the doxology of creation. He carefully examines the Hexaemeron in light of the beautiful hymn that it is, and how this poetry should compel us to worship God.

The book is a short, yet very dense, read. Wittman teaches the doctrine in a robust language, but he also does a great job on being easy to follow and understand.

Ultimately, the book achieved two goals after reading it: 1) A deeper understanding and awe for the Christian Doctrine of Creation and 2) an awareness of how this doctrine should shape our worship and liturgy as we meditate on our gratitude, dominion, and sacrifice amidst genuine worship to God.

[Mitch Rein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creation: An Introduction is a clear, accessible, and thoughtful overview of the doctrine of creation. It balances biblical faithfulness with helpful explanations that make the topic easy to understand. I appreciated how the authors connected creation to everyday Christian living. A great read for anyone wanting a solid, trusted introduction.

[E · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really care for this book. It is not an expression of systematic theology. It ought to have been printed by some imprint with the word "Reflective" in its title. I disagreed with little of what Wittman wrote, but I found it wholly unhelpful or even inappropriate for this otherwise excellent series. Wittman's desire to be fresh or artsy or whatever totally overwhelmed his assignment.

[Brooklynn Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, Tyler Wittman wrote an excellent introduction into the doctrine of creation. Many people may be taken back by his unique writing style, but I love the "artsy" way that he wrote this book. The book is small, and an easy read while still touching on some very important aspects of creation. This is a great book for people who want a bit further knowledge about the doctrine of creation.

[Ella Beth Moorer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Wittman presents creation as a song sung by its Creator. He poetically explains how God's initial act of creation (the "original song") is inseparable from redemption and glorification, in which believers will "rise up in song to resonate with [God's] own musicality" now and forevermore.

[Jay Greeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Tyler Wittman does an excellent job of explaining the Doctrine of Creation through relating it to music. In the book, he demonstrates how God, as the master musician, has created a world that works together in perfect harmony.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent